Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Stoughton, MA: $25.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Stoughton, MA runs $25.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Stoughton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,523 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stoughton, Massachusetts, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $25.26, which exceeds the national median of $23.84 by 5.98%. This competitive pay is significant not only for full-time practitioners but also for part-time employees, such as those working three days a week, who can enjoy the benefits of flexible scheduling in various clinical settings including general dentistry and oral surgery. Per diem workers in Stoughton can expect to earn between $20.70 and $31.67 per hour, making it a viable option for those looking to supplement their income. With hourly earnings ranging from $20.70 for entry-level positions up to $31.67 for experienced professionals or specialists, the dental assistant hourly pay in Stoughton reflects the demand for skilled individuals in the field as well as the local cost of living, which slightly exceeds the national average.
About the Stoughton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.70 | $165.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.34 | $186.72 |
| Median (P50) | $25.26 | $202.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.22 | $241.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.67 | $253.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stoughton
Based on $25.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.26/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stoughton, MA can expect to earn approximately $52,539 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,311. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stoughton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stoughton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,010.36 | $4,378 | $52,539 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.22 | $2,627 | $31,523 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.14 | $1,751 | $21,015 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Stoughton) | $25.26 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Stoughton, MA earn a median of $52,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.98% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $54,905.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.26/hr = $31,523/year (purchasing power: $29,054).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,539/year (purchasing power: $48,423).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Stoughton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Stoughton grew 19.9% from $20.42/hr (2019) to $24.49/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.05/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stoughton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Stoughton
Part-time dental assistants who opt for a schedule of just three days a week, working 24 hours total, can take home approximately $31,846 annually. In contrast, full-time employees, working 40 hours per week, receive a significantly higher annual total that aligns with the median hourly wage projections. Many dental assistants in the area also choose per diem roles, where they can earn between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery and orthodontics offering even higher rates from $28 to $45. This diversity in pay is influenced by the type of practice, from group to solo dental practices and specialty clinics. Additionally, those who prioritize health benefits may accept positions with lower pay but more secure employment options. For those negotiating wages in Stoughton, it's beneficial to research typical rates across various employer types and consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and the security of benefits, thereby making informed career choices in the evolving dental landscape post-DSO consolidation.
More salary data for Stoughton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Stoughton in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Stoughton?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Stoughton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stoughton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov